Packaging
The Mighty Action X Beginning set is a rather large 3-pack. Something that's rarely tried with figuarts release. The last 3-pack in recent memory was the Hakaider Squad set, that was a web exclusive release, and it didn't sell well. So for Bandai to take a chance on 3 unique riders from Ex-Aid, and release them at retail, that was pretty surprising. The box is a rather colorful 3-tone type that really pops, definitely befitting of the series it's from. Honestly the figures in box would make for a nice display piece if you'd like to pick up the individual figures to open too. It just looks good. The 3 riders come in one large tray with their hands, while the Mighty Action X stage as well as their unique weapons are in a separate tray below.

Main Figure

** Special note, I lost the Bang Bang Shooting Gasshat about halfway through this gallery and simply could not find it for several hours. So some pictures are of Snipe with it missing. Sorry!

Each Ex-Aid rider has a pretty radically different design, as with any series each character is unique. But they also tend to share some design influence, and in many cases parts. The Ex-Aid line, at least so far as Level 2 forms are concerned is a prime example of this. Each suit has it's own unique detailing and colors, but at a basic level they feature the same mold. Sporty type shoes, the bike shorts look, the driver, the chest plate. You see what I mean. So although Ex-Aid, Brave, & Snipe look very different, they also have a ton of similarities. This review will echo nearly everything I have said about Ex-Aid & Brave as the mold is mostly identical. Please feel free to skip ahead to photos if you like.

As with the last two riders, Snipe Level 2 features a ton of complex detail that we don't normally see each year. Paint apps and small molded details galore. Snipe may look slightly more dull by comparison, but that's just his more drab color scheme. Still, from the Ground up the new Ex-Aid type body is pretty solidly built. Though the ankles still lack the freedom of movement they need. You'll still find that wide stances are just really really difficult to achieve, which means he's always gonna be a bit off balance. This could be more of a detriment with a character like Snipe, the FPS based Bang Bang Shooting should mean this figure can pull off stable balanced poses, but it can be difficult. All that being said though, the paint apps for the lower part of the body are still top notch, even if again the whole package is a bit more drab. The bright green striping on Snipe's thighs is well done, just not as exciting.

One of the more elaborate pieces on the figure is the Gamer Driver itself. This entire device is extraordinarily detailed for something at this scale. The Driver handle can flip shut, thus hiding the rider read out on the front screen as well. The right of the driver has 2 slots for Gasshats. One is already attached in the form of the Bang Bang Shooting Gasshat. It's kind of a dummy item though as it's really just the handle portion that pegs in. To the right of the driver, is a Gasshat holster. There are 2 slots for extra Gasshats as well as 1 slot for a Critical Finish to be inserted. This whole assembly just looks fantastic. I'm taken back to Gaim Orange Arms and the wonderful design of his Sengoku Driver. This level of functionality is always impressive.

I won't sell the rest of the upper body short either. Snipe may not be as striking as his predecessors but his chest detailing is just as magnificent. The paint apps on the outer layer are crisp and clear, but I'm so impressed by the Rider Gauge label within his chest. Again, unlike Bandai's previous failures with labels (Kiwami Arms) this is flawless. On the flip side of the torso is the deactivated Level 1 head. As with Ex-Aid it's a bit stylized and shrunk down, but wow it looks good. It's such a strange detail for me to love but I do. Not to be forgotten are the arms. Sadly this is where I take great issue with the figure. Snipe's shoulder sash is absolute junk. Plain and simple. It does nothing but hinder articulation and be frustrating. You can angle the pieces of it which are ball-jointed, but not enough for anything meaningful. Most of the time the parts simply pop off before getting into a position that's useful. It's sculpted well and the jointed nature of it doesn't detract from it's look, but it's very poorly executed.

Finally that brings us to the head. While Ex-Aid's head still seems to get a far bit criticism, & Snipes collar color is incorrect, I don't see how you could complain with Brave's likeness frankly. That design is sharp, solid, and gorgeous. I like the extra mile Bandai went to making Taiga's "bangs" a removable piece as well. It's on a small pege so it can be rotated as needed when moving the head, this way when it impacts the collar you move it without fear of breakage. Smart move!

Accessories
Snipe's accesories are a bit more similar to Ex-Aid, he comes with a pretty basic assortment but it's also basically everything you need for him:

3 - Sets of additional hands. The same basic set up as Ex-Aid, Snipe's holding things hands are just specifically designed for his Magnum.

1 - Gashacon Magnum (Handgun Mode). Like Ex-Aids Gashacon Breaker, Bandai opted for a swap out part rather than a functioning weapon. The Magnum in Handgun Mode looks good, but is very difficult to get Snipe to hold properly. The grip is actually too big for the set of hands it's intended for. Otherwise I think it looks pretty nice, even if the paint is a bit too thick.

1 - Gashacon Magnum Rilfe Mode Barrel. A swap out part, you just remove one side of the Magnum and add this onto the end as though the weapon were extending for Rifle Mode. This is a terrible part that will almost never stay attached to my Magnum. It falls off wihen the slightest pressure is applied and won't sit flush. It's very disappointing. They could have easily engineered this weapon better.

And that's that. It doesn't seem like a lot, but really it is. That's Snipe's one signature Level 2 weapon. Though he has fewer hands than Brave. But like Ex-Aid (and Brave) there are no individual Gasshats included other than the dummy ones already attached to the Gamer Drivers. I think this is easily the biggest omission with any of these releases. Much like last year when Eyecons were few and far between with Ghost releases, Ex-Aid appears to be missing the boat with Gasshats. The Mighty Bros XX release seems to be rectifying this Gasshat shortage, but it shouldn't have happened this way in the first place.

Final Thoughts
Of the 3 figures included in the Mighty Action X Beginning Set, I have to say that S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Snipe is my least favorite. I've never been in love with Snipe's design so that colors my opinion somewhat, but this figure brings the same excellent mold to the table, that's true. Albeit in a color scheme that feels very muted, with accessories that are kind of lackluster, and a shoulder sash that's mildly infuriating. So Snipe winds up on the bottom of the rankings. But that being said this 3-pack has been a most excellent way to kick of a brand new sub-line for S.H. Figuarts. Now that we've had announcements for some new figures on the way like Mighty Bros XX & Dangerous Zombie, as well as teases of Para-DX & Maximum Mighty, this line is relaly shaping up. And this 3-pack set the bar in a pretty good place.